Gaobot.MOE

It spreads and affects other computers.
It searches for and steals passwords saved for certain Windows services.
It carries out actions that decrease the security level of the computer.
It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user.
It spreads
, across the Internet, via email, via IRC.

Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:

March 13, 2006

Detection updated on:

March 13, 2006

Statistics

No

Proactive protection:

Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description

Gaobot.MOE is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy:
passwords saved by certain Windows services.

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it terminates processes belonging to security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, leaving the computer defenseless against attacks from other malware; it awaits remote-control orders received through
IRC or FTP.

It terminates processes corresponding to several security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, to prevent detection.

Gaobot.MOE uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.

Email: sending emails that include a copy of itself as an attachment. The computer is infected when the attachment is run.

IRC: It sends a copy of itself to all users connected to the channel to which the infected user is connected.